The challenge in urban living these days is that most buyers want “new,” but they also want “old.” For example, when searching for the popular loft, buyers still want lots of space, but often that’s hard to come by in much of the newer construction to which they’re attracted. That’s why the over-sized, modernized Rockhill Condominiums near the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art at 44th and Rockhill Road are popular with buyers.
“We took the building down to the stone foundation and the brick exterior,” said Mike Tiehen of Tiehen Realty, which markets, manages and oversaw construction of the 15 condos that are in three buildings. Each condo (see kitchen and living room below) is completely new, from the wiring to the plumbing to the ceilings, and stretches through an entire floor, he said, with the smallest one at 2,000 square feet. “The location in the old, historic Southmoreland neighborhood is so appealing to people,” Tiehen said. “This area made the top 10 best historic neighborhoods in the nation, and that’s quite a stamp of approval, and when empty nesters see our price per square foot, they realize this is great space for the money.”
The condos range in price from $315,000 to $360,000 and include a garage. Of the 15 condos, seven have sold and two are reserved, Tiehen said. Lauren Hruby of Chartwell Realty is helping to sell the properties; Dana Blay with DBL Architecture is the project architect; Rob Morgan with First Community Bank is the mortgage lender; and subcontractor Chris Eakin completed the construction. For more information, go to www.rockhillcondoskc.com or call Tiehen at 913-208-0085.
Home-ownership still has many benefits, study shows
Homeowners are more active in their communities, benefit from improved education opportunities, and report higher levels of self-esteem and happiness when compared to renters, according to leading research. A new report from the National Association of Realtors explores the impact of stable housing and the positive social outcomes resulting from home-ownership. “Home-ownership is an investment in your future – home is where we make memories, build our lives and feel comfortable and secure,” said Vicki Cox Golder, owner of Vicki L. Cox Real Estate in Tucson, Ariz. “Owning a home has long-standing government support in this country because home-ownership benefits individuals and families, strengthens our communities and is integral to our nation’s economy.”
Homeowners move far less frequently than renters, and therefore are embedded into the same neighborhood and community for longer. This allows for social cohesion, ultimately resulting in social benefits and stronger communities. The report also found that homeownership has a significant impact on educational achievement. For instance, the decision by teenage students to stay in school is higher for those raised by parents who are homeowners compared to those whose parents are renters. Access to economic and educational opportunities are also more prevalent in neighborhoods with high rates of homeownership. Furthermore, studies have shown that changing schools frequently due to moving impacts negatively a child’s educational outcome. Civic participation is another social benefit resulting from homeownership and stable housing. Homeowners are proven to be more politically active and are more likely to vote in local elections compared to renters. In addition, homeowners have a higher membership in voluntary organizations. Studies have shown that homeowners are more likely to believe that they can do things as well as anyone else, and they self-report higher ratings on their physical health. “The research shows that homeowners report higher self-esteem and happiness than renters, resulting in better overall health, both physically and psychologically,” said Golder.
Fry-Wagner has all the right moves
The Fry-Wagner name is nearly synonymous with Kansas City. Since the Fry family has been in the transportation industry since 1908, it’s no wonder. Fry-Wagner has a large footprint in the Midwest, with branch locations in Lenexa, Kan., St. Louis, Columbia, and Springfield, Mo., and Belleville, Ill. With over a century of service as their foundation; Fry-Wagner’s extensive knowledge and experience has prepared them for the unexpected in any unique moving situation. They have the resources and stability to invest in good equipment, hire motivated associates and provide in-depth training. This results in a relocation company that is dedicated to providing the right relocation solutions for all customers’ personal and business needs. They value their customers and will do everything they can to gain and retain their trust. The residential team (above) includes Gary Meier, Relocation Consultant, Dan Kulp, Relocation Consultant/Manager, and Darrell Bandel, Relocation Consultant. Fry-Wagner wants to be the mover of choice in the Kansas City area.
One satisfied customer wrote: “Everything was so well taken care of! We really appreciated the personal attention you gave us. We are now settled, and are happy to report that our items arrived in wonderful shape. The phone calls we received throughout the process to communicate with us and to see if things were going well with the move were so terrific too. Moving is a stressful time, and you made it go as well as it could.”
They provide do-it-yourself to full-service moving and storage. Fry-Wagner wants to make moving into a new home a pleasant and positive experience. That is why they embrace every aspect of moving. If a customer wants to do most of the work alone and pay little out of pocket – they offer United Containers. It’s as easy as 1 – 2 – 3.
1) They deliver to your door
2) The customer packs what they want, when they want
3) They keep the container at the customer’s place or they can move it wherever the customer wants it to go
If their services are needed, they are just a phone call away – whether a customer needs a little help or a lot. They can help the customer inventory, pack, crate, clean, load, deliver, unload, unpack, un-crate, place and polish. They are here to do whatever the customer needs them to do to make their transition to their new home a happy one. Their diversified services include:
- United containers: do-it-yourself or let-us-help (below)
- Household goods moving: local, long distance & internationally
- Expert packing and crating
- Fine art handling
- Short term, long term, and permanent storage
- Customized relocation services for seniors
- Commercial re-locations
- Office and Industrial re-locations
- Project management
- Asset disposition and disposal
- Asset management
- Technical disconnect – reconnect
- Business records storage (HIPAA Compliant)
- Library and high density file re-locations
- Warehousing and distribution
- Trade show hauling and set-up
- Laboratory and clean room re-locations
- Hospitality and FE&E, and installations
- Government services: GSA contract-holder
Fry-Wagner is proud of the significant steps they have taken toward becoming more environmentally conscience.
- They are committed to recycling all unusable paper and cardboard.
- They are transitioning from corrugated carton to recycled plastic FastCrates. Using FastCrates helps to save on fuel and resources, while eliminating unnecessary cardboard waste. Reusable, recyclable, and less expensive; FastCrates are a smart choice for greener moves.
- Their drivers use equipment that lowers emissions and are more fuel efficient, monitor vehicle tire pressure daily to ensure they are maximizing their mileage per gallon, and use Pre-Pass transponders to avoid stopping, starting and idling at weigh stations and tollbooths around the country.
- Our facilities utilize 6-lamp T5HO fixtures with occupancy sensors and our HVAC systems are programmed to conserve energy.
- Image scanning – through Trans Docs – has allowed them to become much more efficient and eliminated the need for reams of printed paper that in the past was filed away and stored in their warehouse.
- They have partnered with several other large businesses in the area to keep their end of life items, such as furniture and electronics, out of landfills through socially responsible asset disposition.
Fry-Wagner was voted “The best mover in America.” The American Moving and Storage Associate (AMSA) named Fry-Wagner Moving & Storage – Lenexa, Kan., the nation’s 2008 “Agent of the Year Service Excellence Award Winner. ” They have also received the AMSA Fleet Safety Award in 2008 and 2009. The highest United Van Lines achievable honor was bestowed upon Fry-Wagner in 2008 when named the “President’s Quality Award Winner.” For more information, go to http://www.fry-wagner.com/residential/kansas-city-moving-services.html, http://www.fry-wagner.com/residential/do-it-yourself.html, and http://movingforyou.wordpress.com/